Japan's naphtha shortage triggers panic over shortages of dialysis and other medical supplies
On April 15, Japanese media reported that the shortage of naphtha poses a serious risk to medical supplies and has caused widespread anxiety in the healthcare sector.
The article states: The worsening situation in Iran and the Middle East is now spreading into the medical field. Due to the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the supply of naphtha is under threat.
Naphtha is a raw material used in the production of plastic products, such as syringes, disposable gloves, and intravenous tubing—widely used in healthcare. As a result of the naphtha shortage, risks to the healthcare system are gradually becoming evident.
Dialysis circuits and waste containers used in dialysis treatments are both made from naphtha. Therefore, many people are concerned that dialysis treatments may be suspended.
Currently, about 340,000 patients across Japan require dialysis. Without multiple sessions per week, their lives could be at risk.
Although the Japanese government is working to establish a secure domestic supply chain for naphtha and other petroleum-based raw materials, Takako Kato said on X: “We are ensuring domestic naphtha supply for at least four months.” However, even now, newspapers, television, and other media continue reporting that dialysis treatments might be halted.
Yet, there are subtle differences between media coverage and actual medical conditions. In an interview, Dr. Tomoyuki Yamakawa, President of Shiratori Hospital and Chairman of the Japan Society of Dialysis Physicians, responded: “At present, the shortage of naphtha has not yet had any tangible impact on the field of dialysis medicine. In Japan, medical materials used in dialysis are designed for single use only, so we will continue needing these supplies in the future. However, I’ve been told by medical device manufacturers that supply disruptions won’t happen immediately. I’ve also heard concerns from some patients. I believe there’s a gap between media reports and real-world medical practice. If medical supply chains become strained, all healthcare services would stop. So, I feel the current concern around dialysis is somewhat exaggerated.” “Rising prices of medical equipment” are placing pressure on hospital management.
On the other hand, it is rumored that naphtha-based product prices will surge in the near future. Indeed, manufacturers such as Toho Synthetic Fiber and Sekisui Chemical Industries have announced price increases for naphtha-derived products from last month to this month. Dr. Yamakawa is particularly worried about how rising medical equipment prices will intensify the “economic strain” on healthcare institutions. “We haven’t yet heard from manufacturers about raising prices for medical devices, but we fear that price hikes may become a real issue in the future. If this happens, even if it doesn’t directly affect patient treatment, it will severely hinder the management of dialysis facilities. Not just dialysis—medical costs at healthcare institutions are officially priced by the government, so hospitals cannot simply raise prices due to increased raw material costs. Therefore, hospitals must absorb the financial burden of rising medical supply prices.”
Yet, the reality is that financial deficits in healthcare institutions are continuously growing, and the number of hospitals facing operational difficulties is increasing.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2025 November report titled “Health Economics Survey,” 67.2% of hospitals nationwide are projected to incur losses in fiscal year 2024. Surging prices, rent, and labor costs have further intensified cost burdens.
“In recent years, the number of dialysis patients has declined, and profitability from dialysis equipment has decreased. On the other hand, dialysis costs have risen annually due to inflation. If this trend continues, running dialysis facilities will become increasingly unsustainable in the long term.”
In fact, some hospitals are already considering shutting down their dialysis units. Without accessible medical care, patients would face significant risks.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862502231362572/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author